Bladder cancer risk increasing in certain jobs: study

Sheffield, England – The risk of bladder cancer is rising in some occupations, a review of research from the University of Sheffield indicates.

Researchers reviewed 263 medical articles involving 31.4 million people and found a greater risk for the cancer in 42 of 61 occupational classes and heightened risk of death from the cancer in 16 of 40 classes, according to a press release.

The highest risk was found among workers exposed to aromatic amines (including tobacco, dye and rubber workers) and polycystic aromatic hydrocarbons (nurses, waiters and seamen). Agricultural workers had the lowest risk.

The highest risk of death was found among workers exposed to heavy metals and polycystic aromatic hydrocarbons (aluminum workers, electricians and mechanics), diesel and combustion products (military and public safety workers), and aromatic amines (domestic assistants and cleaners, painters and hairdressers).

The study was published online Oct. 8 in JAMA Oncology.